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Die Sterne, D176

Introduction

This enchanting little strophic song is a worthy companion of the other pieces in this group, for it is no less starry than they; despite the fact that it is a product of the composer's youth, it veritably glints with the evening light. It also finds exactly the right mood of piety and gratitude to reflect Fellinger's verses and is cheery without losing the sense of awe which lies at the heart of Schubert's religious songs of nature. Particularly notable is the accompaniment with its semi-staccato open fifths in the bass quietly pulsing away and supporting a right hand that delightedly dances in the heavens. The gazing eyes of God ('Wie Gottes Augen schaut ihr dort') twinkle high in the stratosphere of the keyboard; in this phrase note how east and west are given different points in the harmonic compass, as are south and north. The postlude is one of artful simplicity – it seems easy to imitate Schubert in this mode until one tries to no avail. The final two bars of the piano part are an ascending arpeggio directing our gaze ever upwards.

Recordings

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Why do you sparkle so gently at me,
you stars, so noble and so fair;
what drives you on your dark course
through the blue ocean of the ether?
Like the eyes of God,
from east and west, north and south,
you gaze kindly down on me.

Everywhere you bathe me
in soft, dusky light.
The run rises in the morning,
but you never forsake me.
Evening hardly darkens
before you shine, so pure and tender,
once more upon my face.

O smile! O beckon me silently
towards you!
Mother Nature guides me
according to her great plan;
the end of the world does not trouble me,
if only I can find all my loved ones
united there.